Dual active insecticidal compositions

ABSTRACT

An insecticidal composition is disclosed that contains two active ingredients, which are transfluthrin and imiprothrin. The insecticide composition may further contain at least one of a solvent and a propellant. The weight percentage of each of the active ingredients may be about 0.01% to 0.5% by weight.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND 1. Technology Field

The present disclosure relates to an insecticidal composition and, moreparticularly, to an aerosol insecticidal composition, that comprises atleast two active ingredients and effectively knocks down and kills bothflying and crawling insects.

2. Description of the Background

Insecticide has been used over the years to prevent insects fromattacking humans, animals, and crops. Diseases transmitted by insectsare a major health hazard. Insects (mosquitoes, flies, and the like)transmit a number of diseases caused by the exposure of the victim toinfectious agents such as viruses (chikungunya virus, yellow fever,dengue fever, etc.), bacteria (Lyme disease, plague, etc.), andparasites (malaria, sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis, filariasis, etc.)carried by the insect.

For example, flying insects, such as mosquitoes, cause greater humansuffering than any other organism-over one million people worldwide diefrom mosquito-borne diseases annually. Not only can mosquitoes carrydiseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases andparasites that affect other animals, such as dogs and horses. Theseinclude dog heartworm, West Nile virus (WNV), and Eastern equineencephalitis (EEE). In addition, mosquito bites may cause severe skinirritation resulting from an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva,causing inflammation and itching at the affected site, leading to thepossible introduction of other disease-causing agents.

Crawling insects, such as ants and cockroaches, are responsible forhealth problems as well. Cockroaches in the home environment are ahealth hazard not only because of the risks posed by cockroach antigensto asthma sufferers, but also because they can carry disease-causingagents. Cockroaches may play a role as carriers of intestinal diseases,such as diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid fever and cholera.

Insecticide active ingredients (AIs) are typically categorized intothree types: immediate knock-down (KD) (ie. instant action, but insectmay recover); residual kill (eg. continues killing for some time periodafter application), and synergists which support or help deliverresidual kill activity (eg. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO)). Known knockdownAIs include Prallethrin (ETOC), d-tetramethrin (Neo Pynamin Forte),Propoxur, Bendiocarb, Imiprothrin, Transfluthrin, and Metofluthrin.Known residual AIs include d-phenothrin (Sumithrin), Cypermethrin,Cyfluthrin, and Deltamethrin. Commercially available insecticides mayalso include synergists, which are used to provide a degree of residualactivity to an insecticidal composition. Examples of known synergistsinclude, but are not limited to, PBO and Pyrodone (MGK-264). What isneeded in the industry is an insecticide composition that can providespeed of knock down and mortality without the use of an AI known forkill.

Therefore, it is desirable to have an insecticidal composition with theability to knockdown and kill both flying and crawling insects in aquick and efficient manner in a single product without the need of asynergist. It is also desirable to reduce the number of AIs present inthe insecticide.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the current disclosure describe an insecticidalcomposition comprising transfluthrin and imiprothrin. Both transfluthrinand imiprothrin are considered to be AIs with knockdown capabilities,with each individually affording little to no insect mortality. In thepresent disclosure, Applicant demonstrates that a combination of thesetwo immediate knockdown actives unexpectedly provides both immediateknockdown and lasting mortality.

In certain embodiments the transfluthrin is present at about 0.05% toabout 0.5% by weight and the imiprothrin at about 0.01% to about 0.5% byweight. In certain embodiments, the transfluthrin is present at about0.08% to about 0.1% by weight and the imiprothrin is present at about0.03% and about 0.05% by weight. The insecticidal composition may be awater-based formulation or a hydrocarbon (HC) solvent-based formulation.The water-based formulation may also comprise a hydrocarbon solventcomponent.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a composition for killinginsects comprising transfluthrin, imiprothrin, and solvent. Thecomposition comprises between about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight oftransfluthrin and between about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight ofimiprothrin. Certain embodiments comprise about 0.08 to about 0.1% byweight of transfluthrin, and between about 0.03% to about 0.05% byweight of imiprothrin.

In an embodiment, the solvent comprises about 50% to about 75% by weightwater. In an embodiment the composition comprises about 7% to about 11%by weight hydrocarbon solvent, selected from the group consisting ofaliphatic C₉-C17 hydrocarbons, alicyclic C₉-C17 hydrocarbons, naphtha,petroleum distillate, paraffins, iso-paraffins, isoparaffinichydrocarbons, cycloparaffins, alkanes, iso-alkanes, cycloalkanes, andany combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the composition comprisesone or more emulsifiers. In an embodiment, the composition comprisesabout 0.1% to about 2.0% by weight emulsifier.

In an embodiment, the solvent comprises about 25% to about 55% by weighthydrocarbon solvent, selected from the group consisting of aliphaticC₉-C17 hydrocarbons, alicyclic C₉-C17 hydrocarbons, naphtha, petroleumdistillate, paraffins, iso-paraffins, isoparaffinic hydrocarbons,cycloparaffins, alkanes, iso-alkanes, cycloalkanes, and any combinationsthereof. In an embodiment, the solvent is substantially anhydrous.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises a polar, organic solvent. Inan embodiment, the composition comprises a polar, organic solvent atabout 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight. In an embodiment, the polar, organicsolvent is an alcohol. In an embodiment, the composition comprises apropellant, selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane,propane, pentane, isobutene, N-butane, isobutane, dimethyl ether,1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen,air, and any combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the propellant ispresent in about 10% to about 80% by weight. In an embodiment, theformula composition is such that the composition is discharged as afoam.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a composition for killinginsects, comprising transfluthrin, imiprothrin, solvent, and propellant.In an embodiment, transfluthrin is about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight,and imiprothrin is about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight. In anembodiment, the composition comprises about 0.08% to about 0.1% byweight of transfluthrin, and between about 0.03% to about 0.05% byweight of imiprothrin. In an embodiment, the propellant is about 10% toabout 80% by weight, selected from the group consisting of methane,ethane, propane, pentane, isobutene, N-butane, isobutane, dimethylether, 1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide,nitrogen, air, and any combinations thereof. In an embodiment, theformula composition is such that the composition is discharged as afoam.

In an embodiment, the solvent comprises about 50% to about 75% by weightwater. In an embodiment, the composition comprises about 7% to about 11%by weight hydrocarbon solvent, selected from the group consisting ofaliphatic C₉-C17 hydrocarbons, alicyclic C₉-C17 hydrocarbons, naphtha,petroleum distillate, paraffins, iso-paraffins, isoparaffinichydrocarbons, cycloparaffins, alkanes, iso-alkanes, cycloalkanes, andany combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the solvent comprises about 25% to about 55% by weighthydrocarbon solvent, selected from the group consisting of aliphaticC₉-C17 hydrocarbons, alicyclic C₉-C₁₇ hydrocarbons, naphtha, petroleumdistillate, paraffins, iso-paraffins, isoparaffinic hydrocarbons,cyclopraraffins, alkanes, iso-alkanes, cycloalkanes, and anycombinations thereof. In an embodiment, the solvent is substantiallyanhydrous.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises a polar, organic solvent. Inan embodiment, the polar, organic solvent is an alcohol.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a composition for killinginsects, comprising transfluthrin, imiprothrin, solvent, propellant, anda polar, organic solvent. In an embodiment, the composition comprisesbetween about 0.05% and about 0.5% by weight of transfluthrin, betweenabout 0.01% and about 0.5% by weight of imiprothrin, between about 25%and about 85% by weight of a solvent, and between about 10% and about80% by weight of a propellant.

Certain embodiments comprise a method of killing insects, the methodcomprising providing an insecticidal composition as described herein ina dispenser which dispenses the composition at a rate of between about1.5 gram/second and about 3.5 gram/second, and instructing a user tospray the composition for a duration of typically 8 to 12 seconds to foga room for flying insects, and less than about 5 seconds for directspray of crawling insects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An insecticidal composition designed to knockdown and kill both flyingand crawling insects more effectively than other known compositions ispresently disclosed. In the pest control field, it is known thathouseholds tend to suffer from both flying and crawling insects.Therefore, it is important to develop an insecticidal composition thatcan knockdown and kill both flying and crawling insects in a timelyfashion. It has been found that an insecticidal composition comprisingtwo actives primarily known for quick knockdown but not kill, mayprovide such a benefit.

The insecticidal composition according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is an AI package which can be used in a water-basedformulation or in a HC solvent-based formulation. The two AIs used inthis AI package, transfluthrin and imiprothrin, are considered to begood KD actives. However, unexpectedly, Applicants were able to achievea combination of good knock-down and lasting mortality without the useof a synergist or a separate AI known to provide lasting mortality/killbenefits.

The insecticidal composition according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure provides a reduced exposure to AIs in the composition. Theinsecticidal composition results in a beneficial ‘minimalist’ approachto achieving both KD and mortality together with a relatively low amountof AI. Other known commercially available insecticide composition mustuse three AIs or three AIs and a synergist to obtain this level ofefficacy. As such, the insecticidal composition according to anembodiment of the present disclosure requires fewer AI and synergistcomponents in its composition, resulting in an increase in desirabilityto the user.

In certain embodiments, the insecticidal composition comprisestransfluthrin and imiprothrin. Transfluthrin is a fast-acting pyrethroidinsecticide with low persistency. It has the molecular formulaC₁₅H₁₂Cl₂F₄O₂. Imiprothrin is another pyrethroid insecticide, which hasthe molecular formula C₁₇H₂₂N₂O₄.

In determining a concentration of each of the AIs, the type of AIs, thespray rate of the composition, and the instructions regarding use of thecomposition are considered. In some embodiments, the spray rate of theAIs is in the range of about 1.0 grams per second to about 2.0 grams persecond. In other embodiments, the spray rate of the AIs is in the rangeof about 2.0 grams per second to about 3.0 grams per second. In yetother embodiments, the spray rate of the AIs is in the range of about3.0 grams per second to about 4.0 grams per second. In some embodiments,the spray rate of the AIs is in the range of about 1.5 grams per secondto about 3.5 grams per second. In some embodiments the user instructionsfor aerosol compositions may instruct the user to spray for about 4 toabout 12 seconds to fog a room for flying insects. In yet otherembodiments, users are instructed to spray for about 7 to about 10seconds. In some embodiments the user instructions may instruct the userto spray for less than about 2 seconds for a direct spray on a crawlinginsect. In some embodiments the user instructions do not specify aperiod of time to fog a room for flying insects or time duration for adirect spray on a crawling insect.

It is desirable to provide an insecticidal composition comprising aparticular amount of AI reaching its best efficacy (ability to kill orknock down pests) when a certain spray rate and a certain amount ofspray time (spray duration) are used. In certain embodiments, thetransfluthrin is about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight and the imiprothrinis about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight. In certain embodiments thetransfluthrin is about 0.08% to about 0.1% by weight and the imiprothrinis about 0.03% to about 0.05% by weight. In accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, the transfluthrin is about 0.1% by weight and theimiprothrin is about 0.03% to about 0.05% by weight. In someembodiments, the particular weight percentage may vary and the weightpercentage of each component is at least about 0.01%, or less than orequal to about 0.1%, or greater than or equal to about 0.03%. Whilespecific values chosen for this embodiment are recited, it is to beunderstood that, within the scope of the disclosure, the concentrationsof all the AIs may vary to suit different applications. Theconcentration ranges of AIs are associated not only with the type of AI,but with spray rate and instructions for use, including, but not limitedto, spray duration and/or recommended proximity to the pest. Theinsecticide compositions of the present invention may be in awater-based composition or a HC solvent-based composition.

In certain embodiments, the insecticide composition is a water-basedcomposition including transfluthrin, imiprothrin, and water. In certainembodiments, the water is present at about 10% to about 90% by weight,preferably, about 40% to about 85% by weight. In a preferred embodiment,the water is present in about 50% to about 75% by weight. In certainembodiments, the water-based composition additionally includes ahydrocarbon solvent. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon solvent inthe water-based composition is a water-miscible solvent. In certainembodiments, the hydrocarbon solvent is present in the water-basedcomposition at about 1% to about 20% by weight. In certain embodiments,the hydrocarbon solvent is present in the water-based composition atabout 5% to about 15% by weight. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbonsolvent is present in the water-based composition at about 7% to about11% by weight. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon solvent ispresent in about 8% to about 10% by weight. In certain embodiments ofthe insecticide composition, the water-based composition additionallyincludes a polar, organic solvent. In certain embodiments, the polar,organic solvent is present at about 0.5% to about 5% by weight. In apreferred embodiment, the polar, organic solvent is present in about 1%to about 2% by weight. The polar, organic solvent may be analcohol-based solvent. The alcohol-based solvent may include, but is notlimited to, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, propanol, butanol, and thelike. In addition, solvents such as, but not limited to, ketones,glycols, glycol esters, and esters, for example isopropyl myristate, andthe like, may be used. In certain embodiments of the insecticidecomposition, the water-based composition additionally includes one ormore emulsifiers present in up to about 2.0% by weight. In someembodiments the one or more emulsifiers are present at about 0.1 toabout 2.0% by weight. In a preferred embodiment, the one or moreemulsifiers are present in about 0.5 to about 1.0% by weight. Theemulsifiers may include, but are not limited to, sorbitan stearates,glyceryl monooleates, lecithin, lanolin alcohols, cetearyl alcohol,polysorbates, sorbitan laurate, amphoteric and anionic surfactants, andnonionic alkyl polyglucosides. In certain embodiments of the insecticidecomposition, the water-based composition additionally comprises one ormore corrosion inhibitors, or corrosion inhibition system.

In certain embodiments, the insecticide composition is a substantiallyanhydrous HC solvent-based composition including transfluthrin,imiprothrin, and hydrocarbons as the primary solvent. In certainembodiments, the HC solvent is present at about 10% to about 90% byweight. In certain embodiments, the HC solvent is present at about 20%to about 75% by weight. In a preferred embodiment, the HC solvent ispresent in about 25% to about 55% by weight. In certain embodiments ofthe insecticide composition, the HC solvent-based compositionadditionally includes a polar, organic solvent. In certain embodiments,the polar, organic solvent is present at about 0.5% to about 5% byweight. In a preferred embodiment, the polar, organic solvent is presentin about 1% to about 2% by weight. The polar, organic solvent may be analcohol-based solvent. The alcohol-based solvent may include, but is notlimited to, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, propanol, butanol and thelike. In addition, solvents such as, but not limited to, ketones,glycols, glycol esters, and esters, for example isopropyl myristate, andthe like. In certain embodiments of the insecticide composition, thehydrocarbon solvent-based composition additionally includes one or moreemulsifiers. The emulsifiers may include, but are not limited to,sorbitan stearates, glyceryl monooleates, lecithin, lanolin alcohols,cetearyl alcohol, polysorbates, sorbitan laurate, sorbitan monooleate,sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monopalmitate, amphoteric and anionicsurfactants, and nonionic alkyl polyglucosides. In certain embodimentsof the insecticide composition, the hydrocarbon solvent-basedcomposition additionally comprises one or more corrosion inhibitors, ora corrosion inhibition system.

While specific values of the solvents are chosen for these embodiments,it is to be understood that, within the scope of the disclosure, thisvalue may vary over wide ranges to suit different applications. Forexample, the weight percentage of the solvent may increase to dissolvethe AIs when, for example, there are additional AIs in one compositionformula compared to another. The weight percentage of the solvent isbalanced to effectively dissolve the AIs and effectively penetrate thecuticles of insects.

In certain embodiments, the solvent may be aliphatic C₉-C₁₇hydrocarbons, alicyclic C₉-C₁₇ hydrocarbons, naphtha, petroleumdistillate, paraffins, iso-paraffins, isoparaffinic hydrocarbons,cycloparaffins, alkanes, iso-alkanes, cycloalkanes, and the like, andany combinations thereof. In certain embodiments the solvent is apetroleum distillate. In certain embodiments the petroleum distillate iscomprised of hydrocarbons, C₁₁-C₁₇, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2%aromatics. In certain embodiments the solvent is an isoparaffinichydrocarbon. In certain embodiments the isoparaffinic hydrocarbon isnaphtha (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy. In certain embodiments thesolvent is comprised of a petroleum distillate or an isoparaffinichydrocarbon or both. Certain embodiments may comprise at least twosolvents. In certain embodiments the molar ratio of the at least twosolvents may be in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:100 or about 100:1to about 1:1 based on the total concentration of the solvents. Incertain embodiments the solvent is present at an appropriate amount todissolve the AIs, and may also contribute to carrier efficiency, whichis defined as the degree to which a solvent induces penetration of aninsecticide into the pest.

Petroleum distillates are commonly used to refer to aliphatichydrocarbons, defined to also include natural or synthetic paraffinichydrocarbons. Petroleum distillates may include mineral spirits,kerosene, white spirits, naphtha, Stoddard solvents, and the like. Theseproducts may contain trace amounts of benzene and/or other aromatics.Notwithstanding the non-limiting examples provided herein for solvents,other solvents, such as acetone, butyl glycol, carbon tetrachloride,chloroform, chloropenthane, cresol, cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone,dibromomethane, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,1-dichloroethane,1,2-dichloroethane, dichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethylene,1,2-dichloropropane, diethylbenzene, dimethyl carbonate,N,N-dimethylformamide, 1,4-dioxane, ethylbenzene, ethylene glycol, ethylglycol, formol, furfuryl alcohol, isophorone, isopropyl glycol,kerosene, mesithyl oxide, mesithylene, methanol, 2-methoxypropanol,methylmetacrylate, methylcyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanone, methylglycol, methylisobuthylcarbinole, N-methylpyralidone, monochlorobenzene,nitrile acetic acid, nitrobenzene, 1-nitropropane, 2-nitropropane, oilof turpentine, o-chlorotoluene, pentachloroethane, phenol,propylbenzene, propylbromide, propyl chloride, propylene glycol,pyridine, styrene, tetrabenzylphenol, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane,tetrachloroethylene, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydronaphthalene, toluene,1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene,trimethylbenzene, vinyltoluene, xylene, and the like, or anycombinations thereof, can also be used as the solvent.

In certain embodiments, the insecticidal composition further comprises apropellant. In other embodiments, the insecticidal composition mayfurther comprise a fragrance. Such embodiments may comprise a fragranceat about 0.1% to about 2% by weight. In accordance with certainembodiments of the present disclosure, the insecticidal composition isan aerosol insecticidal composition, which is suitable for industrialand domestic applications. An embodiment comprises a dispensingcontainer having aerosol dispensing means, at least two AIs, a solventat a sufficient weight percentage to dissolve the AIs, and a propellantgas at a sufficient pressure to dispense the AIs dissolved in thesolvent from the dispensing means as an aerosol. An aerosol insecticidalcomposition is ideal for use against both flying and crawling insects.For example, the aerosol composition may be sprayed in the air for anyflying insect and may be sprayed in the air for preventative measures.For crawling insects, the aerosol composition may be sprayed directly onthe insect.

The propellant pressurizes the aerosol container and influences the formin which the insecticidal composition is discharged. The composition maybe discharged in the form of foam, stream, or spray. The pressurenormally created by the propellant is about 2.4 to about 9.7 bars (35psi to 140 psi) at 21.1° C. If propellant concentration is increased,the spray composition may be effected. By adjusting the propellant,surfactants, and solvent used, quick breaking foams can be produced, orfoams can be created that remain visually unchanged for days. To producea spray, the propellant must have sufficient dispersive energy toovercome the surface tension of the liquid mixture, plus the cohesiveand adhesive forces. For producing an aerosol product composition, vaporpressure, spray characteristics, solubility, flammability, and corrosionare considered.

Aerosol propellants may comprise compressed gases, soluble gases, andliquefied gases. Many of these forms of aerosol propellants may be usedin connection with the present disclosure. In some embodiments thepropellant may be carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air, and the like, or anycombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the propellant belongs to theliquefied gases category including, but not limited to hydrocarbonpropellants. In certain embodiments, the propellant may be methane,ethane, propane, pentane, isobutene, N-butane, iso-butane, dimethylether, 1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and the like, andany combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, thepropellant is propane. In other embodiments, the propellant is butane,including both N-butane and iso-butane.

Some embodiments may comprise at least a first propellant and a secondpropellant. In some embodiments the first and second propellants are ina molar ratio in the range of about 1:1 to about 100:1, or about 100:1to about 1:1 based on the total concentration of the first and secondpropellant. In certain embodiments the first propellant is propane andthe second propellant is butane, including both N-butane and iso-butane.

Further, in certain embodiments, the propellant is present in about 0.5%to about 90% by weight, more preferably, about 10% to about 80% byweight. In one embodiment of the HC solvent-based composition, thepropellant is present in about 50% to about 70% by weight, morepreferably, about 65% to about 70% by weight. In one embodiment of thewater-based-composition, the propellant is present in about 15% to about40% by weight, more preferably about 34% to about 38% by weight. In oneembodiment, the formula composition is such that the composition isdischarged as a foam. While specific values chosen for the propellantare recited, it is to be understood that, within the scope of thedisclosure, the value of this parameter may vary over wide ranges tosuit different applications.

According to EPA standards, a “dead” (or killed) insect must be aninsect with absolutely no movement, no twitching, no antenna moving,etc. A dead insect is probed or subjected to other stimuli to verifylack of movement. A “knockdown” of an insect is considered to be anycondition between dead and full mobility, i.e., knockdown is oftenmeasured as the insect's inability to respond to a stimulus such aslight or touch. For mosquitos, knockdown is defined as mosquitoesresting on the floor of the chamber and experiencing some aberrantbehavior, such as on laying on their back or side, spinning erraticallyin one spot, or the inability to sustain normal flight more than a fewinches giving an impression of hopping. Especially when actual mortalityrate may be difficult to assess, knockdown is used to measure the effectof a pesticide. It is desirable to not only knockdown, but to killinsects to avoid the breeding of knockdown resistant insects. Knockdownresistance (“kdr”), describes cases of resistance to diphenylethane(e.g. DDT) and pyrethroid insecticides in insects and other arthropodsthat result from reduced sensitivity of the nervous system caused bypoint mutations in the insect's genetic makeup. Such mutative resistanceis characterized by the presence of kdr alleles in the insect's genome.Knockdown resistance remains a threat to the continued usefulness ofpyrethroids in the control of many pest species. As such, it isdesirable to have an insecticidal composition capable of not only insectknockdown but also insect death.

The currently disclosed insecticidal composition exhibits faster andhigher knockdown rates and higher killing rates against flying insectsand crawling insects compared to other tested compositions. Othercompositions, including other commercially available compositions, mayhave only fast and high knockdown rates against either flying insects orcrawling insects, but not both. Furthermore, the disclosed insecticidalcompositions also exhibit insect mortality and demonstrated activity inkilling flying and crawling insects after the composition is applied.Other known compositions require the addition of a residual active agentor a synergist to ensure insect mortality. The currently disclosedinsecticidal composition provides fast knockdown and insect mortalitywithout the addition of a residual active agent or a synergist.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include anyof the structures, compositions, or methodologies disclosed inconnection with different embodiments.

EXAMPLES

Formulations A, B, C, and D (Examples 1-4) are water-based formulationsand comprise about 0.1% transfluthrin; either about 0.03% or about 0.05%imiprothrin; about 69% to about 70% water; about 19% propellant; about8% to about 9% C₁₁-C₁₃ branched alkanes; about 1% to about 2% isopropylalcohol; about 0.7% emulsifier; and about 0.46% corrosion inhibitor.

Formulations F, G, and H (Example 5) are HC solvent-based formulationsand comprise either about 0.08% or 0.1% transfluthrin; about 0.03%imiprothrin; about 50% propellant; about 47% to about 49% C₁₁-C₁₃hydrocarbons, n-alkanes, isoalkane; and about 1% to about 2% isopropylalcohol. Formulation E is similar to formulations F, G, and H, exceptformulation E contains the AIs 0.03% Prallethrin, 0.03% Imiprothrin, and0.1% Cypermethrin, but does not contain transfluthrin.

Formulations I and J are HC solvent-based formulations comprising 0.15%esbiothrin, 0.04% transfluthrin, and 0.11% D-phenothrin (I); or 0.3%D-tetramethrin, 0.1% permethrin, and 0.1% D-phenothrin (J).

Example 1

Adult male German cockroach (7 weeks from eclosion) testing consists offive replicates per sample. German cockroach preparation for testingconsists of anesthetizing the cockroaches with CO₂, sorting and placingin clean greased Tri-State 15-A plastic cups. Immediately prior totesting, German cockroaches were transferred into clean greased Luciterings (5 cm height×10 cm diameter) with a stainless steel screen (6×7mesh/cm²) attached to the bottom of the ring. Cockroaches were allowedto recover from CO₂ overnight. No food or water is provided during therecovery period. Following preparation and recovery, cockroach-testingcontainers (one at a time) were placed in the CSMA Spray Tower andexposed to a targeted discharge at a spray distance of 46 cm (18″).After each aerosol discharge, the cockroaches were immediatelytransferred to a clean greased glass battery jar (15 cm height×15 cmdiameter) for the selected observation period. One 15.0 cm diameter #2filter paper was placed in bottom of glass battery jar for eachreplicate conducted. After observation period was completed, insectswere removed from glass battery jars with the use of CO₂ (if necessary)and placed in 240 ml plastic cylinders and held for 24-hour mortalitycounts. Five additional replicates were held as untreated controls. Eachreplicate was timed to 100% knockdown to provide comparative data.Compositions B (comprising 0.1% Transfluthrin and 0.05% Imiprothrin) andC (comprising 0.1% Transfluthrin and 0.03% Imiprothrin) perform equallyas well as, if not better than, the other tested compositions comprisingPrallethrin and d-Phenothrin, or requiring the presence of piperonylbutoxide (PBO) in the percent knockdown of Blatella germanica (Germancockroach).

TABLE 1 Cockroach (Blatella germanica) Direct Spray Knockdown Test¹. 1Second Spray, 5 Reps, 10 Insects/Rep. Mean Mean % Knockdown _ Seconds 24H % KT100 Treatment Dosage 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 MortalityIn Seconds Composition A 3.08 g 10c 42c  68b  86b  92a  98a  98a 100a100a 100a 100a 78b 0.1% Prallethrin 0.125% d-Phenothrin Composition B3.13 g 54ab 94ab 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 31a 0.1%Transfluthrin 0.05% Imiprothrin Composition C 3.09 g 46b 80b  98a 100a100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 41a 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03%Imiprothrin Composition D 3.04 g 36b 88ab  96a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a100a 100a 100a 39a 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.4% PBO ¹Meanswithin columns with the same letter are not significantly different; (P= 0.05) All Pairs Tukey-Kramer.

Example 2

Housefly (Musca domestica) testing consists of five replicates persample. Preparation for testing consists of anesthetizing the flies withCO₂, sorting, and placing in clean sealrite containers. Flies wereallowed to recover from CO₂ overnight. Sugar water is provided duringthe recovery period. Following preparation and recovery, fly-testingcontainers (one at a time) were placed in the CSMA Spray Tower andexposed to a targeted discharge. After each aerosol discharge, knockdowncounts were taken for the selected observation period. The results arenot significantly different between Compositions B and C of the presentdisclosure versus the other tested compositions comprising Prallethrinand d-Phenothrin, or requiring the presence of piperonyl butoxide (PBO).Exposure to Compositions B and C result in a mean percent knockdown in10 seconds of 90% and 74%, respectively, in the house fly (Muscadomestica).

TABLE 2 House Fly (Musca domestica) Direct Spray Knockdown Test¹. 1Second Spray, 5 Reps, 10 Insects/Rep. Mean % Knockdown _ SecondsTreatment Dosage 10 20 30 40 50 60 Composition A 3.31 g 78a 100a 100a100a 100a 100a 0.1% Prallethrin 0.125% d-Phenothrin Composition B 3.26 g90a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.05% ImiprothrinComposition C 3.31 g 74a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 0.1% Transfluthrin0.03% Imiprothrin Composition D 3.31 g 78a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 0.1%Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.4% PBO ¹Means within columns with thesame letter are not significantly different; (P = 0.05) All PairsTukey-Kramer.

Example 3

Mosquito testing consists of three replicates per sample. Preparationfor testing consists of vacuuming mosquitoes from test cage with atubular aspirator and placing in clean 240 ml (0.5 pt) cardboardcylinders with fitted aluminum screen (6×7 mesh/cm²) inserted in top.Following preparation, mosquitoes are released into test chamber fromone of the portholes located in the chamber. Following a 1-minuteacclimation period, mosquitoes are exposed to a targeted discharge.After each exposure/discharge knockdown counts are taken at 2-minuteintervals over 12 minutes post-initial exposure. At 2 minutes,Compositions B (comprising 0.1% Transfluthrin and 0.05% Imiprothrin) andC (comprising 0.1% Transfluthrin and 0.03% Imiprothrin) have a fasterand higher knockdown rate of the Southern House Mosquito (Culexquinquefasciatus) over any of the other tested compositions. Withrespect to predicted KT50 and KT90 knockdown times, Compositions B(comprising 0.1% Transfluthrin and 0.05% Imiprothrin) and C (comprising0.1% Transfluthrin and 0.03% Imiprothrin) perform equally as well as, ifnot better than, the other tested compositions comprising Prallethrinand d-Phenothrin, or requiring the presence of piperonyl butoxide (PBO)in the percent knockdown of Southern House Mosquito.

TABLE 3 Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) Free Flying Knockdown Test¹.Equal Weight Dose: 0.65 Gram. Mean % Knockdown _ Minutes Treatment 2 4 68 10 12 Composition A 10a 43a 68a 77a 84a 89a 0.1% Prallethrin 0.125%d-Phenothrin Composition B 23a 44a 64a 75a 86a 92a 0.1% Transfluthrin0.05% Imiprothrin Composition C 27a 48a 71a 81a 86a 94a 0.1%Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin Composition D 13a 36a 56a 76a 84a 90a0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.4% PBO

TABLE 3a Culex quinquefasciatus Peet-Grady Testing (0.65 gram dosage, 3replicates). Predicted KT50 and KT90 Values in Minutes based on Gompertz3P Fit Curve Inverse Prediction (Alpha 0.05). Specified % PredictedSpecified % Predicted Knockdown Time Knockdown Time Treatment (KT) (min)(KT) (min) Composition A 50 4.5ab 90 N/A 0.1% Prallethrin 0.125%d-Phenothrin Composition B 50 4.6ab 90 11.7a 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.05%Imiprothrin Composition C 50 4.1a  90 10.6a 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03%Imiprothrin Composition D 50 5.2ab 90 11.8a 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03%Imiprothrin 0.4% PBO Fit Curve Model Comparison conducted with Gompertz3P providing the best fit. Predicted values for the formulas at aspecified % knockdown value with overlapping confidence limits are notconsidered to be significantly different.

Example 4

For efficacy tests in a Peet-Grady Chamber, the aerosol was sprayedthrough the upper port along the side wall of the chamber containinginsects (Culex pipiens pallens, Aedes albopictus, Musca domestica).While testing aerosol against mosquitoes, knockdown counts were recordedat 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 minute time intervals, then collected the knockdownmosquitoes and the remaining mosquitoes after 10 minutes as to check for24 hour mortality and determined the total number of mosquitoes. Whiletesting aerosol against house flies, knockdown counts were recorded at3, 5, 10 and 15 minute time intervals, then collected the knockdownhouse flies and the remaining house flies after 15 minutes to check the24 hour mortality and determined the total number of house flies.

For Direct Spray knockdown tests, the spray distance was 46 cm (18″) andthe targeted discharge was approximately 1.0 second. The knockdowncounts for German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) were recorded attime intervals of 15 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 75 s, 90 s, 105 s, 120 s, 135s, and 150 s, the knockdown counts for American cockroaches (Periplanetaamericana) were recorded at time intervals of 15 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 75s, 90 s, 105 s, 120 s, 180 s, 240 s, and 300 s, the knockdown counts forHouse flies (Musca domestica) were recorded at time intervals of 10 s,20 s, 30 s, 40 s, 50 s, and 60 s, or end up observing time to 100%knockdown. At the end of the observation period, cockroaches (Blattellagermanica, Periplaneta americana) and House flies (Musca domestica) wereremoved to check the 24 hour mortality.

Table 4a illustrates that Composition G (0.1% Transfluthrin and 0.03%Imiprothrin) demonstrates a percent knockdown of the common or NorthernHouse Mosquito (Culex pipiens pallens) at 2 minutes at least double thatof the other tested compositions, except for the composition containingthe combination of esbiothrin and D-phenothrin. For the Asian tigermosquito or forest mosquito (Aedes albopictus) percent knockdown iscomparable if not better than the other compositions tested. Forhousefly (Musca domestica), as shown in Table 4b, percent knockdown iscomparable if not better than the other compositions tested, except forthose containing 0.3% D-tetramethrin, 0.1% permethrin, and 0.1%D-phenothrin. The KT50, KT90, and % mortality in 24 hours of CompositionG was comparable to that of the other compositions tested, indicatingthat Composition G not only demonstrates good knock down activity butalso good mortality in the two AI package containing AIs known primarilyfor good KD activity.

Tables 4c, 4d, and 4e, German cockroach (Blattella germanica), Americancockroach (Periplaneta Americana), and housefly (Musca domestica),respectively, provide results (% knockdown, %24 h mortality, sprayeddose) of aerosol. As can be seen, Composition G demonstrates comparable,if not better, performance in % knockdown and % mortality measured at 24hours. Composition G provides both knock down and mortality at 24 hours(residual effect) without the need for a residual active or a synergistsuch as PBO.

TABLE 4a Mean test results (% knockdown, KT50, KT90, %24 h mortality,sprayed dose) of aerosol against Culex pipiens pallens and Aedesalbopictus in Peet-Grady Chamber. 95% 95% Confidence Confidence %24Sprayed Test Test % knockdown after minutes KT50 in Limits of KT90 inLimits of Hours Dose in Composition species 2 4 6 8 10 Minutes KT50Minutes KT90 Mortality grams Composition Culex 4.0 6.7 10.4 15.7 25.130.92  16.48-315.59 193.98   53.46-27288.04 25.1 1.02 E pipiens 0.03%pallens Prallethrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.1% Cypermethrin Composition 6.622.9 40.2 62.1 76.4 6.51 5.69-7.56 16.11 12.54-24.69 76.4 1.02 F 0.1%Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.4% PBO Composition 14.5 43.6 70.0 83.887.8 4.26 4.04-4.49 10.37  9.59-11.35 87.5 0.93 G 0.1% Transfluthrin0.03% Imiprothrin Composition 6.6 38.3 71.3 84.5 90.8 4.60 4.40-4.809.34  8.79-10.01 84.8 0.99 H 0.08% Transfluthrin 0.03% ImiprothrinComposition 21.3 50.5 66.2 77.0 87.2 4.02 3.76-4.28 12.23 11.02-13.8781.6 1.01 I 0.15% esbiothrin 0.04% transfluthrin 0.11% D- phenothrinComposition 11.6 20.5 25.7 28.1 32.3 27.79 18.80-55.95 No Data No Data32.3 0.95 J 0.3% D- tetramethrin 0.1% permethrin 0.1% D- phenothrinComposition Aedes 4.7 8.7 20.4 38.8 52.5 10.35  7.94-20.36 29.46 16.62-199.66 52.5 1.05 E albopictus 0.03% Prallethrin 0.03% Imiprothrin0.1% Cypermethrin Composition 9.7 30.0 62.7 82.3 95.7 4.78 3.74-5.849.67  7.58-15.70 95.7 0.98 F 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.4%PBO Composition 16.6 60.6 85.4 92.7 98.0 3.43 3.25-3.59 6.93 6.55-7.3998.0 1.00 G 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin Composition 19.7 45.769.7 82.7 93.3 3.99 3.34-4.60 9.99  8.21-13.53 93.3 0.99 H 0.08%Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin Composition 18.0 49.0 68.7 78.7 88.74.10 3.85-4.34 11.15 10.18-12.41 88.7 0.98 I 0.15% esbiothrin 0.04%transfluthrin 0.11% D- phenothrin Composition 10.3 18.5 21.9 25.8 28.836.41 22.71-88.73 736.93  225.58-7212.95 28.8 1.01 J 0.3% D-tetramethrin 0.1% permethrin 0.1% D- phenothrin Method: Aerosol testmethod in Peet-Grady Chamber; Approximately 100 free flying femalemosquitoes per replicate

TABLE 4b Mean test results (% knockdown, KT50, KT90, %24 h mortality,sprayed dose) of aerosol against Musca domestica in Peet-Grady Chamber.95% 95% Confidence Confidence %24 Sprayed Test Test % knockdown afterminutes KT50 in Limits of KT90 in Limits of Hours Dose in Compositionspecies 3 5 10 15 Minutes KT50 Minutes KT90 Mortality grams CompositionMusca 2.8 12.7 38.6 58.4 12.58 11.99-13.26 34.25 30.78-38.77 57.8 0.99 Edomestica 0.03% Prallethrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.1% CypermethrinComposition 11.9 38.7 83.7 98.4 5.72 4.85-6.68 11.12  9.14-15.15 98.41.02 F 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.4% PBO Composition 9.238.2 77.8 96.8 6.10 4.99-7.38 12.29  9.74-18.38 93.6 0.98 G 0.1%Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin Composition 11.7 40.5 75.2 97.3 5.984.22-8.16 12.61  9.02-28.88 91.4 0.99 H 0.08% Transfluthrin 0.03%Imiprothrin Composition 17.4 51.0 71.8 82.2 5.92 2.81-9.77 19.01 10.97-275.51 81.8 0.93 I 0.15% esbiothrin 0.04% transfluthrin 0.11% D-phenothrin Composition 29.1 55.3 73.8 87.3 4.88 3.47-6.21 17.6612.32-37.61 87.3 1.04 J 0.3% D- tetramethrin 0.1% permethrin 0.1% D-phenothrin Method: Aerosol test method in Peet-Grady Chamber;Approximately 250 free flying mixed sex house flies per replicate

TABLE 4c Mean test results (% knockdown, %24 h mortality, sprayed dose)of aerosol against Blattella germanica, on Direct Spray test method. %24Sprayed Test % knockdown after seconds Hours Dose in Test Compositionspecies 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 Mortality grams Composition EBlattella 96.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 3.16 0.03% Prallethrin germanica 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.1%Cypermethrin Composition F 90.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 3.35 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.4%PBO Composition G 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 3.37 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin Composition H 68.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 3.28 0.08%Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin Composition I 0.0 28.0 54.0 72.0 84.094.0 94.0 96.0 100.0 100.0 98.0 1.97 0.15% esbiothrin 0.04%transfluthrin 0.11% D-phenothrin Composition J 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 2.49 0.3% D-tetramethrin 0.1%permethrin 0.1% D-phenothrin Method: Aerosol Direct Spray test method;10 males Blattella germanica per replicate; Direct Spray time as 1.0second

TABLE 4d Mean test results (% knockdown, %24 h mortality, sprayed dose)of aerosol against Periplaneta americana on Direct Spray test method.%24 Sprayed Test % knockdown after seconds Hours Dose in TestComposition species 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 180 240 300 Mortalitygrams Composition E Periplaneta 56.0 88.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 3.20 0.03% Prallethrin americana 0.03%Imiprothrin 0.1% Cypermethrin Composition F 40.0 84.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 3.09 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03%Imiprothrin 0.4% PBO Composition G 52.0 72.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 3.28 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03%Imiprothrin Composition H 20.0 56.0 68.0 88.0 96.0 96.0 96.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 3.19 0.08% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin CompositionI 8.0 16.0 16.0 16.0 20.0 24.0 28.0 28.0 36.0 48.0 52.0 48.0 2.08 0.15%esbiothrin 0.04% transfluthrin 0.11% D-phenothrin Composition J 0.0 16.028.0 36.0 44.0 52.0 60.0 72.0 80.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 2.39 0.3%D-tetramethrin 0.1% permethrin 0.1% D-phenothrin Method: Aerosol DirectSpray test method; 5 males Periplaneta Americana per replicate; DirectSpray time as 1.0 second

TABLE 4e Mean test results (% knockdown, % 24 h mortality, sprayed dose)of aerosol against Musca domestica on Direct Spray test method. % 24Sprayed % knockdown after seconds Hours Dose in Test Composition Testspecies 10 20 30 40 50 60 Mortality grams Composition E Musca 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 3.13 0.03% Prallethrin domestica0.03% Imiprothrin 0.1% Cypermethrin Composition F 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 3.15 0.1% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin 0.4%PBO Composition G 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 3.29 0.1%Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin Composition H 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 2.59 0.08% Transfluthrin 0.03% Imiprothrin CompositionI 70.0 94.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 2.04 0.15% esbiothrin 0.04%transfluthrin 0.11% D-phenothrin Composition J 80.0 96.0 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 2.46 0.3% D-tetramethrin 0.1% permethrin 0.1%D-phenothrin Method: Aerosol Direct Spray test method; 10 females Muscadomestica per replicate Direct Spray time as 1.0 second

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description.Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative onlyand is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art tomake and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying outsame. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within thescope of the appended claims are reserved.

1-34. (canceled)
 35. A composition for killing insects comprising:transfluthrin; imiprothrin; and polar, organic solvent.
 36. Thecomposition of claim 35 comprising about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weightpolar, organic solvent.
 37. The composition of claim 35, wherein thepolar, organic solvent is an alcohol.
 38. A composition for killinginsects, comprising: transfluthrin; imiprothrin; polar, organic solvent;and propellant.
 39. The composition of claim 38, wherein the polar,organic solvent is an alcohol.
 40. A composition for killing insects,comprising: transfluthrin; imiprothrin; solvent; propellant; and polar,organic solvent.